When thinking about Lazio, it’s easy to associate it exclusively with the majesty of Rome, one of the most iconic cities in the world. However, this extraordinary region has much more to offer.
The goal of this guide is to accompany you in discovering the most fascinating and surprising places in the region, providing you with a broader and more comprehensive overview of what to see in Lazio. Whether you’re planning a short getaway with your partner or a longer vacation with your family, here you’ll find ideas, suggestions, and inspiration to create the itinerary for your next trip.
At the end of the guide, we’ll also provide you with practical tips to organize your vacation in Lazio as best as possible, to ensure an truly unforgettable experience.
Lazio: A Land Rich in Beauty
Located in the heart of Italy, precisely between Tuscany, Abruzzo, Umbria, Marche, and Campania, Lazio is a region that offers various landscapes. This is a place where history, nature, and culture coexist in perfect harmony, offering unforgettable experiences to every type of traveler.
Creating a list of things to see in Lazio might seem like a daunting task, as every city guards wonders waiting to be discovered. For this reason, we want to help you navigate this extraordinary heritage by proposing a selection of the most beautiful places to see in Lazio. From ancient archaeological sites to paths immersed in nature, you’ll find plenty of ideas to fully experience this land rich in beauty.
Places to Visit in Lazio
To help you discover everything this land has to offer, we have selected 35 tourist attractions in Lazio that best represent the beauty and richness of this territory, but above all, valid proposals for those seeking information on what to see in Lazio beyond Rome.
1. Circeo National Park
Founded in 1934, Circeo National Park is among the oldest parks in Italy and boasts the prestigious UNESCO “Biosphere Reserve” recognition. This extraordinary territory combines coastal beauty with nature trails and houses the largest lowland forest in Italy. Different environments intertwine in perfect harmony, giving life to one of the most fascinating nature reserves in Italy.
2. Pontine Islands
This is an archipelago of 6 small islands, of which only 2 are inhabited. This makes the Pontine Islands a true paradise for those looking for places of interest in Lazio away from mass tourism. The island of Zannone is part of Circeo Park, while the islands of Ventotene and Santo Stefano host a protected marine nature reserve. The beaches of the Pontine Islands are often small, isolated, and accessible on foot or by boat. An enchanted place to immerse yourself in natural beauty, enjoying a relaxing swim in the clear and crystal waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
3. Lake Bolsena
Lake Bolsena is located in the province of Viterbo. It has a typical oval shape, which derives from its volcanic origin (it’s the largest lake of this type in Europe). The walk to discover the lake and its surroundings will start from Bolsena, the most important city on its shores and the one that gave the lake its name. However, a visit to Montefiascone is unmissable, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding countryside. In the many taverns of Montefiascone, you can taste a glass of the famous local wine Est! Est! Est!.
4. Viterbo – Free Thermal Baths of Viterbo
If you’re on vacation in Lazio, among the places to visit you certainly can’t forget Viterbo. This town perfectly maintains its medieval heart, to the point that the historic center is one of the best-preserved in Italy. Viterbo has a long story to tell. It was indeed the papal seat between 1257 and 1281 (with brief interruptions) and between 1268 and 1271 hosted the longest conclave in history, lasting over 1000 days. We still have testimony of this fascinating period thanks to the beautiful Papal Palace. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, adjacent to the Papal Palace, is unmissable. The visit can continue in the city’s surroundings, discovering the Viterbo countryside, which offers surprises not only artistic but also gastronomic and wine-related.
5. Lake Bracciano
Continuing our roundup of suggestions about places to visit in Lazio, let’s talk about Lake Bracciano. This is a volcanic lake (hence its rounded shape) located north of Rome. It’s one of the favorite destinations for Romans wanting to take a day trip. It offers long walks, both on foot and by bicycle, relaxing small beaches, and small villages rich in traditions, calm, and peace. The lake provides excellent fresh fish, which can be enjoyed in the many establishments along its shores, while the hills that frame it, the Sabatini Mountains, offer typical inland products, like delicious porcini mushrooms.
6. Veio Park and Hell’s Waterfall
Near Rome, in the Lake Bracciano area, we find places you might not have suspected existed. The Regional Veio Park has recently been established, a reserve that encompasses historical sites from Etruscan and Roman periods, along with paths through unspoiled nature. Through more or less complex trails, you’ll reach small naturalistic gems you wouldn’t expect to find just a few kilometers from Rome. A perfect example is the Hell’s Waterfall, a drop along the Crèmera stream. Veio Park encompasses a great variety of different environments, from urbanized areas near Rome to hillside pastures, up to the inner woods. It’s possible to organize walks on foot, more challenging treks, horseback rides, or bicycle trips.
7. Isola dei Liri
Are you a romantic on vacation with your partner? Treat her to dinner in Isola di Liri, under the magical scenery of a real waterfall. Isola di Liri is a town in the province of Frosinone. Its peculiarity is being crossed by a stream interrupted by a large drop, creating a waterfall 27 meters high. The view is very suggestive, but exploring the town will also be fun, with its River Park, up to the Boncompagni Viscogliosi Castle, a medieval fortress built to protect the city from enemy incursions.
8. Ninfa Gardens
In the province of Latina, there’s a magical and romantic place. These are the Ninfa Gardens, a park covering over 8 hectares, among historical ruins from Roman and medieval times, small lakes, and wonderful flowers of a thousand colors. The evocative garden develops on the ruins of Ninfa city, nestled along the river of the same name. Built in the Roman era, Ninfa was an important town through which travelers and merchants passed on their way to Rome. Later under the Caetani family’s domain, it was ransacked in 1300. The settlement was destroyed and never rebuilt, especially due to health problems related to malaria given the marshy area. Fortunately, their beauty was preserved by the Caetani heirs and brought to our days in all its splendor. The park is visitable only in specific periods, it is recommended to contact the administration for days and hours.
10. Monster Park of Bomarzo
Want more suggestions for what to do in Lazio? Near the town of Bomarzo, in the province of Viterbo, rises the so-called Monster Park. Also known as the Sacred Grove of Bomarzo, it’s a park commissioned by Prince Pier Francesco Orsini (called Vicino Orsini) as a dedication to his wife Giulia Farnese. Its construction dates back to the 16th century. Walking through the coniferous and deciduous forest hosting the park, the visitor encounters basalt sculptures representing mythological animals, monsters, and deities, representing various symbolisms not entirely clarified. They certainly refer to literary works like the Divine Comedy, the Canzoniere, and Orlando Furioso.
11. Free Carletti Thermal Baths
Just a few kilometers from Viterbo, you wouldn’t expect to find a free thermal spring. And yet in Lazio, this is possible. The Carletti Free Thermal Baths are natural pools, created by sulfurous waters abundant in the area. The water at the spring, rich in sulfur, fluorine, calcium, and magnesium, is born at 58° and pleasantly arrives warm in the pools, where you can take a regenerating and healthy bath. The waters of the Carletti Free Thermal Baths have many properties: their benefits are felt on the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, and skin. Moreover, the thermal baths are always open: how can you resist a romantic night bath?
12. Tivoli
Located at the foot of the Lucretili Mountains, Tivoli is the Lazio city famous for its villas declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the most notable are Villa d’Este, a Renaissance masterpiece known for its monumental fountains, including the famous Organ Fountain; Hadrian’s Villa, built by Emperor Hadrian; and Villa Gregoriana, where nature and archaeology merge in a path among waterfalls, caves, and breathtaking panoramas.
Walking through the city, don’t miss the Temples of Vesta and the Sibyl, located on the ancient acropolis, offering a spectacular view of the waterfall valley.
For those seeking relaxation, Tivoli also offers the Acque Albule Thermal Baths, fed by sulfurous springs with renowned therapeutic properties.
13. Civita di Bagnoregio
Resting on a tuff spur that dominates the suggestive Calanchi Valley, Civita di Bagnoregio is one of Italy’s most fascinating villages, also known as the “dying city” for its constant struggle against the erosion of the ground on which it stands. To access Civita, you cross a pedestrian bridge leading directly to the heart of the village. Here you can walk through characteristic alleys, buy typical products in artisan shops, and admire breathtaking panoramas from strategic points like the Belvedere.
14. Sperlonga
Located on the coast of the Latina province, Sperlonga is one of the most enchanting maritime villages in Italy. The historic center, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the sea, is a maze of picturesque alleys where you can admire important buildings like the Church of Santa Maria and Palazzo Sabella, which in 1379 hosted the antipope Clement VII. Among the unmissable attractions are the four medieval towers built to defend against sea attacks, the National Archaeological Museum, and the archaeological area of Tiberius’ Grotto, where you’ll find the remains of the Roman emperor’s villa.
15. Split Mountain of Gaeta
The split mountain, an iconic place on the Lazio coast located in Gaeta, is wrapped in a unique charm and an aura of mystery. According to an ancient tradition, the mountain’s fissures would have formed at the moment of Christ’s death, when the temple veil in Jerusalem was torn. Dominating this suggestive scenario is the Santissima Trinità sanctuary, built in the 11th century, which throughout its history has welcomed pontiffs, sovereigns, and illustrious saints. Among the most representative attractions of the complex stands out the Turkish grotto, a place rich in history and legends that enchants visitors with its unique atmosphere.
16. Tuscania
Immersed in the heart of the Viterbo Maremma, Tuscania is one of the most precious jewels of Tuscia, just 20 km from Viterbo. This enchanting town is famous for its glorious Etruscan past, still visible in the numerous necropolises surrounding the ancient acropolis. Not by chance, Tuscania is known also as the “city of sarcophagi”, as archaeological finds, in stone or terracotta, are scattered everywhere: inside churches, on streets and squares, perfectly integrating with the urban context. An unmissable stop is the national archaeological museum of Tuscania, housed in the former convent of Santa Maria del Riposo. Here you can admire precious Etruscan artifacts, displayed in a curated and freely accessible arrangement, ideal for adults and children.
17. Caprarola
Caprarola is a charming medieval village dominated by the imposing Farnese Palace. Built in the 16th century by the powerful Farnese family, this architectural masterpiece is the main attraction of the city and stands out for its pentagonal shape and the suggestive circular courtyard at its center. The village of Caprarola is characterized by a fascinating mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The suggestive Via Dritta, designed in the 16th century, leads directly to the Farnese Palace and is dotted with picturesque views and ancient buildings. Exploring the side alleys, you can discover traces of the original medieval village, with tuff buildings and an atmosphere that seems to take you back in time.
18. Lungo and Ripasottile Natural Reserve
Located in the heart of the Rieti province, the Lungo and Ripasottile Lakes Natural Reserve is an area of extraordinary beauty. Established in 1985 and subsequently expanded, this reserve extends over more than 3000 hectares and includes the nearby Lake Ventina. The two main lakes, Lungo and Ripasottile, are what remains of the ancient Lacus Velinus, a vast water body drained by the Romans in the 3rd century BC to create the famous Marmore Falls. In addition to birdwatching, the reserve offers naturalistic paths ideal for walks and excursions, immersed in an unspoiled environment that changes its face with the seasons.
19. Rocca Sinibalda Castle
The Rocca Sinibalda Castle, located in the suggestive Turano valley, is a magnificent example of architecture that combines the function of a medieval fortress with the elegance of a Renaissance palace. Inside, the castle houses decorations inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, enriched by stories celebrating the history of the Cesarini family. Over the centuries, the Rocca Sinibalda Castle has changed owners many times but has maintained its uniqueness intact. Today it represents an important testimony of the past, where history, art, and landscape intertwine, making it an unmissable destination for those who wish to discover the wonders of Sabina and Lazio.
20. Norba Antica
Norba Antica is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Lazio. Located near Norma and a short distance from the Ninfa garden, this city is famous especially for its polygonal walls, up to 15 meters high and perfectly preserved. By walking the 2.5 km of city walls, you’ll pass through four main gates: Porta Maggiore, the most majestic entrance, and the suggestive Porta Ninfina, Porta Signina, and Porta Serrone di Bove.
21. Vitorchiano
Located a few kilometers from Viterbo, Vitorchiano is known as the “suspended village”. Its houses seem to merge with the volcanic rock spur on which they are perched, creating a spectacular panorama overlooking the verdant Vezza valley. Walking through the village’s streets, you’ll find an explosion of colors thanks to the flowers adorning every corner, contrasting with the gray of peperino, the local stone used to build the buildings. Not to be missed are the Church of Santa Maria, the town hall, with its civic tower offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding territory, and the suggestive medieval alleys from which you can admire the characteristic “profferli”, external stone staircases typical of local architecture.
22. Calcata
A few kilometers from Rome, Calcata appears as an enchanted island suspended in time, a village that preserves its medieval magic intact. Over the centuries, it has been inhabited and governed by prominent families, such as the Anguillara, who left an indelible mark with the construction of the Baronial Palace, now home to the offices of the Treja Valley Regional Park. This picturesque village has also inspired the world of cinema, becoming the set for famous films like Amici Miei by Mario Monicelli and The Decameron by Pier Paolo Pasolini.
23. Marturanum Natural Park
This lesser-known corner of Lazio, known also as the “Etruscan Park,” extends over a vast territory of gorges carved into the tuff by the Biedano and Vesca streams, creating a unique landscape of valleys, lush woods, and spectacular canyons. The park’s vegetation is extraordinarily rich, with forests of alders, elms, poplars, and various fern species. This unique habitat hosts a vast wildlife, including mammals such as wild boar, fox, and badger, and rare birds like the kingfisher and the peregrine falcon. Particularly fascinating is also the presence of the rare spectacled salamander, a species that thrives in this site thanks to the microclimate of the gorges.
24. Subiaco
Subiaco ranks among the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its name is inextricably linked to Saint Benedict of Nursia, who found refuge and inspiration here, founding the famous monasteries and establishing the Rule “Ora et Labora” that still guides the Benedictine order today. Located here are two extremely important monastic complexes, the Monastery of Santa Scolastica, which preserves over 10,000 manuscripts and ancient works in its precious library and was an inspiration to Umberto Eco for his famous novel The Name of the Rose, and the Monastery of San Benedetto where Saint Benedict retired in prayer for three years.
25. Trevignano Romano
Trevignano Romano, a suggestive medieval village nestled on the serene shores of Lake Bracciano, is a precious pearl just a few kilometers from Rome. Its historic center, a fascinating labyrinth of alleys and small squares, proudly preserves traces of the past. Crossing the Clock Gate, topped by an ancient mechanism dating back to the 18th century, one immerses in a unique atmosphere of vibrant colors, inviting scents, and picturesque views. Along via Umberto I, the main street, artisan shops and historical buildings follow one another, telling stories of a distant era. Among the symbolic places of the village stands the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 16th century, which preserves magnificent frescoes attributed to Raphael’s school. Continuing upward, the magic of the place grows as you reach the ancient ruins of the Orsini fortress, from which opens a breathtaking view of the lake and the gentle surrounding hills, offering an unforgettable panorama.
26. Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
The necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004, are unique testimonies to the architectural ingenuity of one of the greatest pre-Roman civilizations. The Banditaccia Necropolis of Cerveteri, which extends over more than 20 hectares, presents itself as a true city of the dead, complete with streets, squares, and districts, offering a unique immersion into Etruscan life and traditions. The Monterozzi Necropolis of Tarquinia, located further north, stands out for its extraordinary painted tombs, unique in the Mediterranean, which constitute an unparalleled window into the art and culture of this ancient civilization.
27. Montecassino Abbey
The Montecassino Abbey, located in the province of Frosinone, is one of the most iconic places of worship in Lazio and all of Italy, considered the cradle of Western monasticism. Founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia in 529 AD, the abbey rises on the ancient acropolis of Casinum, a place that in Roman times hosted a temple dedicated to Apollo. Throughout its long history, the abbey has been destroyed and rebuilt four times. Among the most tragic events, we recall the looting by the Lombards in 577, the assault by the Saracens in 883, a devastating earthquake in 1349, and the Allied bombings during World War II. Each reconstruction returned to the world a monument of extraordinary beauty and historical significance. Beyond its religious meaning, Montecassino hosts a precious museum, where you can admire masterpieces such as a nativity attributed to Sandro Botticelli, and a library with ancient manuscripts and printed works that testify to the cultural centrality of the monastery.
Weekend in Lazio: Destinations to Include in Your Itinerary?
If you have a weekend to explore Lazio, you can focus on the splendid northern area of the region, known as Tuscia. Your journey can start in Viterbo, with its medieval historic center, then continue towards the suggestive Lake Bolsena, ideal for a relaxing walk or a lakeside lunch. From here, you can reach the extraordinary Civita di Bagnoregio, a unique village perfect for an unusual visit.
On the second day of your Lazio tour, head to Tuscania and immerse yourself in local history and culture. Finally, conclude your trip at the Necropolis of Tarquinia, a place that will leave you breathless for its historical and archaeological value.
Thanks to the proximity of the destinations, you can dedicate more time to experiencing the journey rather than traveling, making your weekend in Lazio a truly unforgettable experience.
Things to See in Lazio: Final Travel Tips
To fully enjoy Lazio’s tourist sites, it’s essential to choose accommodation in a strategic location. This will allow you to easily explore the numerous attractions of the region, moving effortlessly from art cities to medieval villages, from enchanting lakes to natural parks.
Holiday villas represent the ideal choice for this type of trip. Located in quiet but well-connected areas, they offer easy access to the main tourist destinations of the region. In addition to their privileged position, these structures guarantee space, privacy, and services capable of satisfying the needs of the whole family, making the stay comfortable and relaxing.
Don’t let travel organization become an obstacle: discover Anita Villas’ options and book your ideal accommodation for an unforgettable weekend or vacation in the heart of Lazio.